| Phraya Nakon cave | |
|---|---|
 ถ้ำพระยานคร | |
  Map of Thailand | |
| Location | Sam Roi Yot distrcit, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand |
| Coordinates | 12°10′57″N 100°0′40″E / 12.18250°N 100.01111°E |
| Elevation | 130 m above sea level |
| Discovery | Chao Phraya Nakhon Sri Thammarat, early 1800's |
| Geology | Limestone |
Phraya Nakhon Cave (Thai: ถ้ำพระยานคร, Tham Phraya Nakhon) is a stunning cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, HuaHin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand [1]. It features the royal Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, illuminated by natural sunlight through a large skylight, creating a breathtaking scene [1][2]. The cave is accessible by a forested hike and offers unique attractions, including a "Crocodile Back" path, ancient inscriptions, and two chambers with impressive rock formations[3].
Location
editPhraya Nakhon Cave is located within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, southern Thailand [1]. The cave is situated in a mountainous area and can be reached by a combination of hiking and a short boat ride along the coastline[1] . Visitors typically trek through forested trails before reaching the cave's entrance, which lies in a secluded area surrounded by natural beauty[4]. Its remote location and the journey to access it add to the sense of adventure, making the site a popular destination for nature lovers and explorers.
Unique Features
editPhraya Nakhon Cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It is a unique tourist destination known for both its natural beauty[1] and historical value. This cave has a distinct charm that impresses and captivates visitors, with the stunning sight of the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion and the cave’s tranquil atmosphere. It is a must-see attraction for both Thai and international tourists.
The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion stands inside Phraya Nakhon Cave and is a four-gabled pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V in 1890[1][3][5][6]. It was constructed as a memorial for the king's royal visit and as a symbol of loyalty from the people at the time. This pavilion is distinguished by its beautiful Thai architecture and is also a symbolic landmark of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province[1][2][4][7]. Today, the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion has become an iconic image that holds symbolic meaning for Thai people and those visiting Phraya Nakhon Cave.
One of the aspects that adds historical significance to Phraya Nakhon Cave is the presence of the initials of King Rama V and King Rama VII engraved on the cave walls[1][2]. These royal initials serve as historical evidence of the royal visits of these two kings and are a point of interest for many tourists, offering a tangible connection to Thailand’s royal history.
The journey to Phraya Nakhon Cave is a challenging one, particularly due to the rugged path known as the “Crocodile Back”. The rough, uneven surface resembles the back of a crocodile, making the hike to the cave unique and demanding[3]. The stone steps, combined with the uneven ground, provide an adventurous experience for visitors, making the trek memorable and exciting.
Phraya Nakhon Cave is divided into two chambers. The first chamber houses the iconic Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, the primary attraction within the cave. The second, lesser-visited chamber, features impressive natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites[4], providing a stunning but quieter area of the cave for visitors who explore further.
History
editPhraya Nakhon Cave holds a deep connection with Thailand’s monarchy. Its discovery is linked to King Rama I, who, while sailing past Khao Sam Roi Yot and a big storm came up, making it impossible to continue. He anchored his ship to take shelter from the storm at Laem Sala Beach for several days[7]. This forced him to seek refuge on, where he unexpectedly came across the hidden cave. This encounter marked the beginning of the site’s association with Thai royalty.
Inside the cave stands the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, a significant structure built during the reign of King Rama V. Completed in 1890[1][3][5][6], this pavilion soon became a popular site for royal visits and remains an enduring symbol of Thai heritage [1]. The pavilion houses royal inscriptions from both King Rama V and King Rama VII, underscoring its importance across generations. Situated beneath the cave’s natural skylight, the pavilion’s placement allows sunlight to illuminate it perfectly, creating a striking image that reflects the harmony between nature and architecture[1][2][5][7].
Phraya Nakhon Cave holds a deep connection to Thai royalty, with its discovery linked to Phraya Nakhon, the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat, although the exact figure remains uncertain. It is believed that Phraya Nakhon, either from the Ayutthaya period or the Rattanakosin period, stumbled upon the cave while seeking shelter from a storm. During the Ayutthaya period, under King Narai (AD 2199–2231)[8], one theory suggests that Phraya Nakhon used the cave to escape rough waves and royal condemnation during a journey to the capital. However, he was ultimately executed in the cave.
Another version from the Rattanakosin period during King Rama I’s reign (AD 1782–1809) describes Phraya Nakhon fleeing after being misled by Burmese forces, who claimed the capital had fallen. On his return journey after discovering the truth, he took refuge in the cave to avoid intense storms, and along the way, he is believed to have constructed a brick well, now known as “Phraya Nakhon’s Well,” measuring 1 meter in width and 4 meters in depth[8].
Over time, the cave has welcomed multiple Thai monarchs, including King Rama IV, who documented his visit during a southern royal tour, and King Rama V, who visited several times between 1863 and 1890. The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, built during his reign in 1890, became a popular symbol of heritage and royalty [4], with inscri ptions from both King Rama V and King Rama VII. Located under the natural skylight of the cave, the pavilion captures sunlight that illuminates it perfectly, representing the harmony between nature and architecture[1][5].
Architecture
editThe Kuha Karuhas Pavilion is a masterpiece of traditional Thai craftsmanship, seamlessly merging with the cave’s raw beauty. Built by artisans from Bangkok, it commemorates King Rama V’s historic visit to the site. The pavilion's elegant simplicity is elevated by its distinctive roof, a hallmark of Thai royal architecture, and adorned with rich red and gold hues that blend effortlessly into the cave's natural ambiance. What makes this structure truly enchanting is its placement beneath a natural skylight. At certain times of the day, sunlight filters through the cave’s ceiling, illuminating the pavilion in a breathtaking glow that seems almost otherworldly. This poetic dance of light and shadow not only enhances its spiritual essence but has also earned it a spot among Thailand’s most photographer landmarks. Today, the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion stands as a cherished symbol, proudly featured in the emblem of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province[1][2][4][7].
Access
editPhraya Nakhon Cave is on Laem Sala Beach which is accessible by hiking or boat ride. Once at the beach, there will be another 30-minute hike to the cave[1][4][6]. The paths are steep and uneven and there’s a viewpoint half way of the hike where visitors take a short break before reaching the cave.
Admission
edit| Admission / Opening hours | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Day | Visitor Type | Fee | |||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Sunday | Foreign Adults | 200 baht | |||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Tuesday | |||||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Wednesday | |||||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Thursday | Foreign children | 100 baht | |||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Monday | |||||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Friday | |||||||||
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturday | |||||||||
Travel Trips
editTo visit Phraya Nakhon Cave, it’s recommended to start early in the morning, as the journey involves a combination of hiking and a boat ride. Visitors often begin by taking a short boat trip from the nearby Bang Pu village to Laem Sala Beach. From there, a 430-meter uphill trek through a forested trail leads to the cave[1]. The hike can be steep and challenging, but the reward is well worth it, especially around 11 a.m. [4][1][2][5], when sunlight streams through the cave’s natural skylight, beautifully illuminating the royal pavilion. Comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and sunscreen are advised to make the journey more enjoyable.
Reference
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Alex (2024-07-18). "Phraya Nakhon Cave - Hua Hin Cave - Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa". Aleenta Resorts. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e f "ถ้ำพระยานคร (Phraya Nakhon Cave)". องค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดประจวบคีรีขันธ์ (จังหวัดประจวบคีรีขันธ์). Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ a b c d "Visit Phraya Nakhon Cave in Prachuap Khiri Khan". Thailandee.com. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Phraya Nakhon cave - Beautiful cave near Hua Hin". www.renown-travel.com. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e solo177 (2017-08-08). "Phraya Nakhon Cave, Sam Roi Yot National Park | Hua Hin Travel Guide". Hua Hin City Travel Guide. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c DearTravallure (2019-07-18). "This Is Not Fake! This Place Really Exists And It's Called Phraya Nakhon Cave". Dear Travallure. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ a b c d "Tham Phraya Nakhon". thailandtourismdirectory.go.th. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ a b "ถ้ำพระยานคร". www.sanook.com/travel (in Thai). 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2024-11-14.